Like Sex and the City but with adorable, ex-wrestler hairy gay men (or bears), Wuvable Oaf is Luce’s debut graphic novel. This book fills a romance comics hole by portraying a likeable gay male character that is both fully realized and relatable. Mostly playful, but sometimes serious, Wuvable Oaf captures the levity of lonliness. Luce delivers a rom-com that would leave Zack Galifinakis and Zooey Deschanel feuding over who got to play Oaf in a hypothetical movie adaptation.

Oaf is a large, hirsute, scary-looking ex-wrestler who lives in San Francisco with his adorable kitties, and listens to a lot of Morrissey. The book follows Oaf’s search for love in the big city, especially his pursuit of Eiffel, the lead singer of the black metal/queercore/progressive disco grindscore band, Ejaculoid. Luce weaves friends, associates, enemies, ex-lovers, and the pasts of both men into the story of their courtship. Like Scott Pilgrim, Love and Rockets, and Archie, Wuvable Oaf explores the joys and pains of romantic conquests, set against the backdrop of the San Francisco scene. After decades of comics about boy-loves-girl, Luce finally gives readers of all orientations some insight into man-loves-man. Oaf’s silly, sweet, and sometimes sexy stories will win over everyon’s heart.

Columbus, OH – Kafe Kerouac has hosted some great comic events over the past few years, and this one will be no different! Joining Josh will be cartoonist JT Dockery who’ll be signing copies of his comics along side Josh. Music by Sunshine Ears will accompany them. They’ll both be giving short talks, and Josh will be presenting his short videos as well! Doors open at 8 PM for this evening event. Get more details on the FB page!

Thursday, May 14th

Baltimore, MD – Comics potlatch has a cool ring to it! You and a bunch of cartoonists ranging from local to international get together for a pop-up style convention where you bring comics to sell and trade with others. Josh Simmons as well as Conor Stechschulte will be there selling books and art, and having fun! Takes place at The Crown beginning at 9 PM. If you don’t have your own comics to sell or trade, don’t worry, just bring some green to give people for their own wares.

Friday, May 15th

Brooklyn, NY – Our good buddies at Bergen Street Comics are doing it up this week with a full spread of fun. With a musical accompaniment, provided by experimental artists Sunshine Ears, cartoonist Josh Simmons brings a multi-media experience to Bergen Street Comics including a short talk, screening of 3 videos ranging from parody to horror, and a signing of Black River to follow. The good times kick off at 7 PM

Sunday, May 17th

Portland, ME – Casablanca Comics is hosting a great one day show in Portland (no, the other one) with a diverse line-up of comics creators for Maine Comics Arts Festival, or MeCAF. Chip Zdarsky, Box Brown, and Dan Parent are among their guests, and so is Josh Simmons and Hans Rickheit! Holding it down for Fanta, they’ll be selling their books and various art fares. It’s only 5 bones to get in, or free if you’re under 12! If you are under 12 and reading this blog, make sure you go pick up the books Black River and Cochlea and Eustachia, but maybe don’t show your parents. The show is from 10-5 PM for one day only, so go early and stay all day!

Minneapolis, MN – Black River has been rattling bones up and down the coast with its release. Which means it’ll fit right in at Boneshaker Books in Minneapolis tonight! This volunteer run book store and community space is the bees knees, and we’re so excited that they’re hosting Josh Simmons and 2D Cloud’s Nic Breutzman for a signing that will begin at 7 PM.

Wednesday, May 6th

Dubuque, IA – Party town USA just happens to by Dubuque, Iowa. Don’t believe me? Just look at that poster by Victor Cayro! Monks Kaffee is throwing a comics rager in honor of Josh Simmons and Black River. They’ll be joined by guests Becca Kacanda and Victor Cayro, and special music guests. In addition to signing books, there’ll be a screening of three short films by Josh. Festivities kick off around 9 PM!

Thursday, May 7th

New York, NY – What can I say that this amazing poster hasn’t already said? I’ll just throw my 2 cents in by telling you that if you have the ability to go to any of these events, do it! From 6-8 PM at the publishing non-profit, Printed Matter, Ed Luce will be signing copies of the Wuvable Oaf collection. Printed Matter feels like a New York institution, which is of course why they’re moving to a bigger and better location. This will be one of the last times to catch them in their original spot, and what a great send off to have Luce and Oaf there to celebrate!

Chicago, IL – Next stop for Josh Simmons and his wayward books is Quimby’s! One of the finest independent bookstores the midwest has to offer, Quimby’s will will open it’s doors to Black River and its creator. If you find yourself Chicago bound, or maybe you live there already, get on over to Quimby’s at 7 PM to get a signed copy of Black River, a dope black light poster, a beautiful print, and a look of approval from your father, the one you’ve always wanted.

Saturday, May 9th – Sunday, May 10th

Toronto, ON – All weekend long our great neighbors to the North will be hosting the annual Toronto Comic Art Festival, or TCAF, at the awesome Toronto Reference Library. And Fantagraphics will be on hand to sell you books, say nice things about your hair, and give you high-fives (but mostly sell you books). Check out our full breakdown of Fanta at TCAF, with our signing schedule, where you can see our artists on panels, and where to find us. This event is FREE to the public!

Monday, May 11th

Dearborn, MI – The good times continue to roll this week with a stop at Green Brain Comics in Dearborn, Michigan on the Black River tour. If you can’t get to the mind-altering post-apocalyptic comics, then get the mind-altering post-apocalyptic comics to come to you! Beginning at 5:30 PM, they’ll be showing Josh’s hand crafted films, with the signing to immediately follow.

This weekend we head North to our majestic neighbor, Canada, for the Toronto Comic Arts Festival. Two full days of panels, exhibitors, events, and of course, comics art! We’ll be rocking it at tables 162, 163, and 164, surrounded by some of our favorite artists. On Saturday, doors open are open from 9 AM – 5 PM, and Sunday doors run from 11 AM – 5 PM. This event is FREE to the public! FREE. What else do you need to know? Well here’s some panels and guest info to entice you just in case.

Panels(Organized by day then room) Saturday The Pilot11 AM – Spotlight: Lorenzo MattottiJoin one of the masters of modern art comics, Lorenzo Mattotti (Hansel & Gretel, The Raven, Fires) in this career-spanning interview with Stephane Beaujean (Kaboom Magazine, Festival Internationale de la Bande Dessinee d’Angouleme) 2:45 PM – Spotlight: Ed LuceModerator: Andrew Wheeler 4:00 PM – Comics Reportage in the Internet AgeShort, non-fiction reportage is making waves on the Internet in 2015. Short, sharp, personal comics pieces can get to the heart of an idea quickly and in a way that was previously only the domain of political gag cartoons. Eleri Harris, associate editor of The Nib, is joined by an incredible array of contemporary cartoonists including Jess Fink (Chester 5000), Dan Berry (Make Then Tell), Ed Piskor (Hip Hop Family Tree), and Jon Rosenberg (Scenes from a Multiverse) to discuss what it takes to make timely and relevant reportage on the Internet. Marriott 20012:15 PM – Gay Comics Art Japan with Gengoroh TagameGengoroh Tagame joins his publishers Anne Ishii and Graham Kolbeins of MASSIVE and Leyla Aker of Viz Media/SuBLime BL Manga, to talk about the crossover context of queer manga, the hidden wealth of gay manga and the availability and visibility of queer art in Japan today.Moderator: Anne Ishii Marriott 40012:15 PM – Art of the TravelogueThe comics form lends itself beautifully to carnets de voyage, documents of trips, times, and places. Meet five of the foremost authors working in this genre, covering important, unexpected, and incredible trips, in comics. Featuring Lucy Knisley (Displacement), Boulet (Notes), Abby Denson (Cool Japan Guide), Kate Lavut (CHiCO), Kate Beaton (Hark, A Vagrant!), and Oliver East (Trains Are…Mint). Moderated by Johanna Draper Carlson (Comics Worth Reading) 2:45 PM – Editorial Illustration While deceptively similar on the surface, comics and editorial illustration are two fields requiring different formal skill sets, creative attentions, and expressive uses. Acclaimed illustrators discuss the subtle nuances of working in one medium versus the other, and the effect of each on their professional careers. Featuign Penelope Bagieu, Eleanor Davis, and Kagan McLeod. Moderated by Rachel Kahn Sunday Learning Center 112 PM – Pressing the Limits of RepresentationIn this spirited conversation, contributors from every sphere of comics creation and discussion explor the limits and parameters of content in contemporary comics. With Professor Andrew Lesk (University of Toronto), Josh Simmons (House, Black River), C. Spike Trotman (Smut Peddler), Calvin Reid (Publishers Weekly), and James Romberger (7 Miles a Second, The Late Child). Moderated by artist and writer Marguerite Van Cook (The Late Child) Marriott 20012:15 PM – In Conversation: Lucy Knisley and Penelope BagieuNorth American readers may not be familiar with the work of BD author Penelope Bagieu, but she’s taken the French comics world by storm with a mix of reality-infused graphic novels, travelogues, editorial illustrations and more. Far more familiar to North American teaders is Lucy Knisley, whose autobiography, memoir, travelogues and reportage have won her a huge fan base. Join these two creators in a special conversation moderated by Heidi MacDonald, as they explore the similarities in their work and travel, and the intersection of memoir and fiction. 2:45 PM – Spotlight on Eleanor DavisIllustrator and comics author Eleanor Davis is creating some of the most visually unique and expertly crafted comics short stories being produced today. Utterly unlike anything else in the medium, several of her short stories were collected into the critically acclaimed collection How To Be Happy from Fantagraphics Books at the end of 2014, the book topping many ‘best-of-the-year’ lists. Now, in this feature interview, Eleanor Davis will be interviewed on her work and career. Marriott 400 11:15 am – Spotlight on Charles BurnsModerated by Stephane Beaujean 12:15 PM – Charles Burns and Killoffer in ConversationModerated by Stephane Beaujean 4 PM – Spotlight on Simon Hanselmann! With Special Guests Michael DeForge and Patrick KyleTCAF is thrilled to welcome an Australian cartoonist who has taken the medium by storm: Simon Hanselmann! His Megg, Mogg, and Owl strips appear weekly in VICE Magazine, and the collections Megahex from Fantagraphics Books and Life Zone from Space Face Books have topped critics lists, and netted him two Ignatz Awards. In this special presentation, Simon Hanselmann will be joined by cartoonists and friends Michael DeForge and Patrick Kyle, with whom he toured America for 16 weeks, and be interviewed by Stephane Beaujean (Kaboom, Festival Internationale de la Bande Dessinee d’Angouleme). It’s going to be incredible. Hinton Learning Theatre 1 PM – Jason Lutes and Anders Nilsen in Conversation with R. SikoryakR. Sikoryak (Masterpiece Comics) animated a conversation between Jason Lutes (Berlin) and Anders Nilsen (Poetry Is Useless) about the pressures and pleasures of negotiating caeers as artists while also teaching art to new generations. This wide-ranging conversation will offer new perspectives on their work, and reveal how generous and thoughtful Anders Nilsen, Jason Lutes, and R. Sikoryak are about their craft. New Books Black River Josh Simmons will be signing copies of your new favorite post-apocalyptic dark comedy about a group of survivors and their dog traversing an unforgiving landscape The Kurdles An all-ages debut book from Robert Goodin, The Kurdles is sweet with wonder and a charming cast of characters you won’t soon forget. Wuvable Oaf Snag a copy of the hardest but cuddliest metal head you’ve ever seen. Looking for love in San Francisco, this gay rom-com is full of actualized characters that bring humor and heartbreak to life.

For Immediate Release:Daniel Clowes Returns to Fantagraphics Books with Patience

MAY 6, 2015-SEATTLE, WA-Fantagraphics Books is proud to announce Patience, the first all-new, original graphic novel from Daniel Clowes (Ghost World) in more than half a decade. It’s the biggest and most ambitious book of a storied career in which he’s received an Academy Award nomination, a PEN Award, and multiple Eisner and Harvey Awards.

Patience is an indescribable psychedelic science-fiction love story, veering with uncanny precision from violent destruction to deeply personal tenderness in a way that is both quintessentially “Clowesian,” and utterly unique in the author’s body of work. This 180-page, full-color story affords Clowes the opportunity to draw some of the most exuberant and breathtaking pages of his life, and to tell his most suspenseful, surprising and affecting story yet.

Fantagraphics and Clowes helped usher in today’s golden age of literary graphic novels, as evidenced by the just-released Complete Eightball 1-18. It collects the historic comic book series (1989-2004) in which Clowes classics such as Like a Velvet Glove Cast in Iron and Ghost World were serialized; the latter is the best-selling book in Fantagraphics’ history, with twenty editions since its 1997 debut.

“Patience is the best book yet by probably my favorite cartoonist ever,” said Fantagraphics associate publisher Eric Reynolds, “and I can’t wait for people to have the chance to not take my word for it.”

A full release of Patience in March 2016 will be prefaced with select events beginning in the months preceding release. Details t.b.a.

Los Angeles, CA – Money does indeed rule everything around me, so you need to get yourself to the Cash Machine art show that opens tomorrow night. The list of people exhibiting their art/zines/selves at this group show is top notch, and some highlights include artists like Brendan Donnelly and the Fantagraphics creator, Leah Hayes! Author of Funeral of the Heart and Holy Moly. Her new book Not Funny Ha-Ha will be out this June. Opening night runs from 7-10 PM. I hear Thursdays are the new Friday, making this opening reception (with after-party across the street) your perfect starter to the weekend. You don’t want to be the only one NOT showing up to work on Friday with a hangover.

Friday, April 3rd

Los Angeles, CA – Our lovely friends at The Secret Headquarters are hosting a one-of-a-kind original art exhibition and reception to highlight the beautiful work of the talented Robert Goodin. Known previously for his animation work and various Mome contributions, Goodin is releasing his first graphic novel release with the desinnee all-ages book, The Kurdles. This night only! he’ll be selling original painted pages from the book. The exhibit will run until April 30th, but you’ll want to prep your peepers for it’s release in several weeks time. Reception begins at 7 PM! (More Details)

Saturday, April 4th

Fairfax, CA – The inspiring and influential cartoonist MK Brown is gracing the Fairfax library with her presence and her work with an opening reception from 2-4 PM. Come celebrate her career while peering into work that has left impressions on notable creators like Mike Judge (Beevis and Butthead). Stranger than Life is the first ever collection of MK Brown’s cartoons and comics that have appeared in The National Lampoon, The New Yorker, and Playboy. A percentage of all book sales during the reception will directly contribute to Friends of the Fairfax Library, benefiting fellow readers and your funny bone. (More Details)

It’s only been one year since the inaugural show of Linework NW, but they are back this April with not one, but two, impressive lineups over a two-day period. That’s right, a two-day shows with a different roster of special guests and exhibitors on each day. You’ll be able to double down on your dollar at this FREE show by coming back for new goodies and faces the next day. But Fantagraphics will be there both days, hosting debut books and special signings all weekend long at the beautiful Norse Hall.

Debuts

The Complete Eightball by Daniel Clowes Before he rose to fame as the author of the bestselling graphic novels Ghost World, David Boring, Ice Haven, and The Death Ray, Daniel Clowes made his name from 1989 to 1997 by producing 18 issues of the beloved comic book series Eightball, which is still widely considered to be one of the greatest and most influential comic book titles of all time. Now, for the 25th Anniversary of Eightball, Fantagraphics is collecting these long out-of-print issues in a slipcased set of two hardcover volumes, reproducing each issue in facsimile form, exactly as they were originally published. Out in stores May 2015 $119.99

Black River by Josh Simmons Josh Simmons returns with his first full-length graphic novel since 2007’s acclaimed House. A group of women, one man and two dogs are making their way through a post-apocalyptic world in search of a city that supposedly still has electricity and some sort of civilization. Along the way, they go to a comedy club, take a drug called Gumdrop, and encounter gangs of men who are fools, lunatics, or murderous sadists. In other words, all manner of terrors. Out in Stores May 2015 $18.99

The Kurdles by Robert Goodin In the spirit of Herge’s Tintin or Carl Barks’ Uncle Scrooge, The Kurdles is an all-ages comic spiced up with a teaspoon of strange. Sally is a teddy bear who gets separated from her owner. Desperate to find her way home, she stumbles upon Kurdleton, home a to most peculiar group of characters in the midst of their own crisis: their forest hosue is trying to run away! Printed in an oversized format to showcase Goodin’s stunning, hand-painted artwork, The Kurdles will capture the imagination of both parents and children. Out in Stores late April 2015 $24.99

Harvey Kurtzman: The Man Who Created MAD and Revolutionized Humor in America by Bill Schelly Kurtzman’s groundwork as the original editor, artist, and sole writer of MAD provided the foundation for one of the greatest publishing successes of the 20th century. But how did Kurtzman invent MAD, and why did he leave it shortly after is burst nova-like onto the American scene? Bill Schelly’s heavily researched biography finally and fully answers these questions for the first time. Through fresh interviews with Kurtzman’s colleagues, friends and family, including Hugh Hefner, Al Feldstein, R. Crumb, Jack Davis, and many others, this book tells the true story of one of the 20th century’s greatest humorists. Out in Stores late April 2015 $34.99

Angry Youth Comix by Johnny Ryan Now, for the first time, all fourteen issues of Ryan’s career-defining comic book series Angry Youth Comix (2000-2008) are collected in one place. All the comics, the covers, and even the contentious letters pages, in one toilet-ready brick shithouse, taking full advantage of the medium’s absurdist potential for maximum laughs. Out in Stores April 2015 $49.99

EventsIf you can hang tough and want to turn this whole comics fest into a comics party week, there are some before and after events to add to your calendar. But there’s about one party for every five exhibitors, so get the full list here

Chicago, IL – A strong comics community exists in Chicago, and for the third year in a row it’s banding together again for the annual fundraiser to support CAKE or, Chicago Alternative Comics Expo. This year features a delicious lineup of artists auctioning off original works during a silent and live bidding, with all proceeds going to this year’s CAKE.

CAKE takes places June 6th-7th, and this FREE show is open to the public from 11 AM-6 PM. More details about Fantagraphics at CAKE to come! In the meantime, consider making a stop at CAKE Bake this Saturday, and get loaded up on excellent art treats that’ll satisfy more than just a sweet tooth.

This weekend, our master of horror, Josh Simmons, kicks off his Black River tour with three stops around the Pacific Northwest. After a successful weekend at Portland’s Linework NW festival, Josh is hitting the road and heading to Canada. On Friday, April 24th, catch Josh in Vancouver at Lucky’s for a book signing and screening of three shorts by Simmons, beginning at 7 PM.

Next stop, Seattle! Saturday, April 25th, our very own Fantagraphics Bookstore and Gallery will be hosting Josh in Georgetown, also with a signing and screening. He’ll be joined by the Intruder gang for the release of Intruder #15, one of the most adventurous comics collectives out there. Festivities kick off at 6 PM.

Each stop along the tour will feature these limited black light posters created by Simmons, and only available during the tour. Other prints featuring a gorgeous black and white interior of Black River, and the full color cover of The Furry Trap will also be on hand for you to get your hands on!

Chicago, IL – We’ve been hogging all the advance event copies of The Complete Eightball to ourselves here in the Pacific Northwest, so now it’s the midwest’s turn to get a crack at this gorgeous and vibrant collection. Eightball creator Daniel Clowes will be at Quimby’s Bookstore on Thursday, April 30th to sign your fresh copies, still with that new baby smell.

It was no surprise that the Fantagraphics Bookstore, Linework, and Powell’s City of Books all sold out of their event copies of the book, and Quimby’s will be your last chance to get it before hitting shelves in June. Pre-order and Kickstarter copies will be in stock shortly!

Get yourself and your closest friends and frenemies to Quimby’s on the 30th by 7 PM for a trascendental book signing with Daniel Clowes, cited as one of comics most influential cartoonists.

New York, NY – Queers and comics are combining forces and heading to NYC for a two day Queers & Comics conference at CUNY that will offer two days of panels, workshops, presentations, as well as an exhibition of queer cartoon art; sponsored by the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CLAGS). The history of queers in comics is long and rich, producing some of the most groundbreaking cartoonists of the past 40 years. From punk zines sold in queer bookstores and cafes, and now to the stage of Broadway, queer comics have been as diverse as those making them. Which makes this conference an important venue to continue the understanding and creation of queer stories.

Keynote presentations from Howard Cruse and Allison Bechdel, and speical guest Gengorah Tagame headline this event, while 100’s of cartoonists and scholars from all over the world come together and present to an eager audience of publishers, editors, academics, and readers alike.

New York City – We know you have options in New York about where to get your free comic fix this coming Saturday during the national Free Comic Book Day holiday. But are any of those stores besides Forbidden Planet bringing in Dash Shaw and Ed Piskor for a signing? Didn’t think so! Starting at Noon the Union Square store will be hosting these top notch artists to sign copies of their books. Titles they’ll have on hand include “Cosplayers“, and Doctors by Shaw, and the award-winning, action-packed Hip Hop Family Tree series by Piskor.

FCBD can be competetive, but we hope you get lucky with a copy of our Hip Hop Family Tree three-in-one. Featuring Ed Piskor’s Hip Hop Family Tree series and Dash Shaw’s Cosplayers! Piskor’s half features excerpts from all three existing HHFT volumes, plus the Rob Liefeld/Spike Lee commercial adaptation and exclusive pinups by R Crumb, Scotting Young, Jim Rugg, Ben Marra, and more…! Shaw’s side delivers an all-new, 24-page issue of his thoughtful and funny exploration of human endeavor and social interaction as seen through the lives of two cosplayers. Enjoy the works of two of the great contemporary graphic novelists of their generation! With exclusive wraparound cover by Piskor.

This annual tradition of free comics has turned into one of the most poppin’ days of the year for many stores. Cosplayers, special sales, and in-store guests. A lot of work goes into throwing a FCBD, and no one works harder than Forbidden Planet. Line up early to get your free books, and then stick around for this signing mash-up that leads the pack in showing just how diverse comics can be as a medium. (But we won’t tell if you slept outside waiting for the new Avengers movie.)

A tour of oaf proportions is the only fitting way to celebrate the imminent release of the epic Wuvable Oaf collection, by the one and only, Ed Luce. You may have caught glimpses of him if you’re a frequenter of Seattle or Portland, but now the East Coast and back is about to get some wuv!

New York

May 7th – Printed MatterPrinted Matter, Inc. is the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination, understanding and appreciation of artists’ books. Through their open submission policy, they circulate over 32,000 books annually, and provide numerous educational resources to publishing newbies and veterans alike. We’re honored that they’re hosting the New York release of Oaf. Ed will be signing from 6-8 PM, with copies of the beautiful beast on hand!

May 7th & 8th – Queers & ComicsIf you’re at all interetsted in the history, the LGBTQ rights, comics culture, and anything inbetween, you must check out the Queers & Comics conference. Ed Luce, amongst many other notable cartoonists and figures, will be engaging in panels and presentations about the intersection, the history, and the business of queers and comics.

Toronto, ON

May 9th & 10th – TCAFToronto Comics and Art Fest boasts some formidible guests at this year’s convention, including a number of Fanta artists. But we understand if a big reason you head to this FREE show is to catch up with featured guest, Ed Luce. TCAF is seeing the premier Canadian release of Wuvable Oaf. A full breakdown of the signing schedule, panels, and tables is forthcoming!

Check back on Flog for tour updates, including the next stretch of Oaf dates!

New York, NY – The man of many talents, Ed Piskor will be joined by notable New Yorkers in the hip hop scene to discuss the dynamic intersectionality of hip hop and comics in an event called New York Comics & Picture-Story Symposium. Beginning at 6 PM in room L104, head to The New School for a visual and verbal presentation that includes special guests:

Humanities Washingon, one of the best and most creative organizations in the state, has chosen Megan Kelso to participate in the 2015-16 Speakers Bureau! What Speakers Bureau does is create a roster of cultural experts and scholars who travel to all corners of the state to provide diverse public presentations that “encourage audiences to think, learn and engage in conversation.”

A Seattle cartoonist, Megan Kelso is the creator of Queen of the Black Black , Artichoke Tales, and The Squirrel Mother for Fantagraphics, as well as the “GirlHero” mini comic. Megan’s unique lecture that she’ll be taking on the road with her is titled “Comics Can Take Us Places”. From Humanities Washington:

“What role does a sense of place play in cartoons and comic storytelling? How does place influence the character and plot of these images and the stories they tell? As a visual medium, comics tap directly into our sense of memory, time and place – sometimes without words. In this fascinating presentation, cartoonist Megan Kelso explains how she uses memory, her own life, research, and photo references to create sequential panels that evoke the feeling of a specific, inhabited world. Kelso illustrates the presentation with examples of her work and pictures of places that have inspired her to share how central the role of place is to these popular art forms, particularly from storytelling and social commentary perspectives.”

(The Squirrel Mother 2010)

Megan’s next stop around the state will be on Saturday, May 2nd in Olympia, WA at the Tumwater Timberland Regional Library in conjuction with the library’s comic celebration day. Check back into Megan’s blog for updates on where she’ll be next. OR if you’re a non-profit/school/library etc, find out how you can apply to have Megan speak to your organization!

Seattle, WA – It’s undeniable the influence that Harvey Kurtzman has had on an entire generation of cartoonists, humorists, and people who like to laugh. As the founder of MAD Magazine, his influence has left an indelable mark in American culture. But what about the man himself? The new biography, Harvey Kurtzman: The Man Who Created MAD and Revolutionized Humor in America, by author Bill Schelly has exhaustively researched the man and his career, and is coming to The University Bookstore on May 7th. Join us for a launch party in celebration of the book’s release! Schelly will present the must-have new book and discuss the fascinating man behind it.

Festivities kick off at 7 PM. Make sure to stick around after the presentation to get your copy signed by Schelly.

This week’s comic shop shipment is slated to include the following titles. Read on the see what comics-blog commentators and web-savvy comic shops are saying about them (more to be added as they appear). Check out the book previews in the links, and contact your local shop to confirm availability.

“In just 30 pages, at the rate of an average of eight bullets each, Carl Barks gave a lesson in how to tell a compact and highly entertaining story, with the rapidity of Western and spontaneity of irony. The Sheriff of Bullet Valley contains the humble simplicity of its genius.” – Joaquin Toran

“His photographs helpp illuminate perhaps the most influential generation in our lifetime, from 1960-1980. Les Was there to document in photos an commentary the cultural, historical, and musical changes both in the US and in Africa…It is more than evident in reading Pat Thomas’ interview with Les in the book that Les in an intensely curious, provocative renaissance artist both musically and with his photographs and painting. Few photo books cover such a wide range of interests ranging from politics to sports, even including photos of “regular folk” whose expression and activity interest him.” – Jeff Krow

You might read them religiously, or just while you’re trolling online, but VICE has been working on bringing readers daily doses of comics from some of the hottest and hardest working artists from across the globe. Run by VICE Comics editor, Nick Gazin, the online series got up and running on September 11, 2011 with a meta Blobby Boys comic by Alex Schubert. Since then, VICE has picked up the pace with a rotation of ongoing weekly and monthly series, or a three month rotation.

This latest batch of artists is not to be missed, and is diverse and the people making them. Simon Hanselmann’sMegg, Mogg and Owl strips have been running weekly for almost a year, and we can’t get enough of them. The gang’s antics of galavanting through Amsterdam, or vegging out with a bowl and pizza (or six) is a constant high of the week.

(Simon Hanselmann, July 2014)

Since then, a number of talented artists have been brought on rotation, including Gilbert Hernandez with Roy in Hollywood, introducing a whole new generation of internet readers to the defining artist. Be sure to check out his new single issue series, Blubber, debuting this summer at San Diego Comic-con.

The Leslie Stein monthly diary comics have been reflective, sweet, and often spot on with her tales of childhood, moms, dogs, and benders. They’re the perfect ramp up to her new book, Bright-Eyed at Midnight, a year long, page-a-day artistic experiment, often fuled by insomnia, which will be released this August.

(Leslie Stein, April 2015)

Most recently, Lane Milburn and Esther Pearl Watson have joined the VICE lineup with out of this world sci-fi adventures, and two ladies who kick-ass and don’t give a rip about your name. Watson’s Blood Lady Commandos is the A-Team meets Golden Girls, hilarious and righteous to behold. And with Milburn’s new sci-fi epic, Envoy, the futuristic wasteland is traversed by bounty hunter, Jo Sparta. All your Heavy Metal infused dreams come true with this series.

(Lane Milburn, November 2014)

Dozens of other fantastic artists have been contributing to this ongoing comic anthology, and I can’t recommend them enough. Check back often to see new updates, new series, and new artists bring you your new dose of comics.

Next month’s issue of Booklist will include reviews of recent releases by Fantagraphics cartoonists + creators, excerpted below:

Run Like Crazy Run Like Hell by Jacques Tardi and Jean-Patrick Manchette“Tardi’s atmospheric visuals, with their inky line work and solid compositions, are perfectly suited to Manchette’s noirish milieu. The cartooniness of his figures, juxtaposed against the soundly realistic settings, perfectly matches the matter-of-factly over-the-top nature of this blackest of mordantly comedic capers.” – Gordon Flagg

Seattle, WA – Yikes! How many people can one comic book shop fit into their rafters? And how many more signs can they put on their door to let you know that this place is where it’s at on Thursday? Arcane Comics in the Ballard neighborhood is kicking off ECCC with a who’s who lineup of guests and fans. Some of these oh so special comic celebs are Ed Piskor and Ed Luce! Piskor has just wrapped Hip Hop Family Tree Vol 3, and Mr. Luce is debuting the super-sized, and super awe inspiring Wuvable Oaf collection in beautiful hardcover. Other faces you might want to see here will be Farel Dalrymple, Simon Roy, Alexis Ziritt, and Nick Pitarra (just to name a few). Head on over at 6 PM where you come for the comics, and stay for the Don Lucho’s foodtruck! (More Details)

Friday, March 27th

Seattle, WA – It’s finally here. The little Seattle comic show that could. In just over a decade the Emerald City Comicon has grown into the third largest comic convention in the U.S, and boasts the largest artist’s alley. We’re set up at the best table you’ll ever see, with the best creators you’ll ever meet. Today some of those creators include: Lucy Knisley, Ed Luce, Don Rosa and Ed Piskor. For our full signing schedule and breakdown of panels, check out (More Details)

NYC – Continuing his NYC tour, Jiraiya will be stopping by Buearu of General Services – Queer Division for a talk and signing beginning at 7 PM. Hosted by the LGBT Community Center, The Buearu is a cultural center, bookstore, and event space that strives to protect and foster community. The Massive team fits right in to that ethos as they draw attention to and celebrate the life changing genre of gay manga, that’s captured in the Massive anthology. (More Details)

Saturday, March 28th

Seattle, WA – If that beautiful Frank and Becky guidebook cover doesn’t get you to come to the Washington State Convention Center for the second day of Emerald City Comicon, then what hope do we have for humanity? Oh yeah, the amazing lineup of guests and panels and books we’re hosting at the Fantagraphics table! With new releases like Wuvable Oaf and the Angry Youth Comix collection that are bound to astound, you’re out of excuses as to why you shouldn’t get your tookis to booth 308. (More Details)

NYC – There’s a Jiraiya double whammy today! First, he and designer Chip Kidd give a presentation at the SVA ampitheatre with a live Q&A followed by a signing. The SVA has kickstarted many careers, and is the perfect setting for this free and open to the public event as they discuss Jiraiya’s photo-realistic work, beginning at 3 PM. Please, no photography. Can’t make it to the SVA? No problem! All around cool clothing/fashion/accessory store Opening Ceremony will continue their tradition of being stewards of travel when they host Jiraiya for a reception and signing of Massive. The artist behind many of the clothing items sold by Massive, Jiraiya’s notable products are right at home with Opening Ceremony. Stop by between 6-7 PM for your last chance to meet the man beofre he travels back to Japan. (More Details)

Sunday, March 29th

Seattle, WA – Today is your last chance to fangirl/boy out on our lovely creators here at ECCC. On deck for Sunday includes signings at the Fantagraphics booth 308 with: Knisley, Piskor, and Rosa, and FOUR different panels where you can find Fanta artists and staffers alike sharing their well-spring of knowledge on the comics biz. These panels cover topics from cartooning school, to turning your passion into a career, and how to run your own freelance business successfully! (spoiler: it involves a lot of finance spreadsheeting). Get the dates and times to your future here (More Details)